10 Celebrities Who Jeopardized Their Careers Due To Bad Personal Choices

These 10 celebrities went from success to scandal due to their actions.

PUBLISHED NOV 8, 2023

Actress Allison Mack exits the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York following a status conference, June 12, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.

10 Notable Celebrity Downfalls

(L to R) Susan Downey, Stella McCartney, Robert Downey Jr. and Julia Milner attend the Stella McCartney show during Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 on October 2, 2023 in Paris, France. Getty Images | Photo by Dave Benett — (L to R) Susan Downey, Stella McCartney, Robert Downey Jr., and Julia Milner attend the Stella McCartney show during Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 on October 2, 2023, in Paris, France | Getty Images | Photo by Dave Benett

In the ever-fascinating world of celebrities, there have been numerous instances where stars who seemed to have it all suddenly found themselves plummeting from grace. Whether it was due to personal choices, legal issues, or controversial actions, these celebrities had everything going for them until they blundered. Let's take a look at 10 notable cases of stars who managed to mess up their careers.

1. Matt Lauer

Matt Lauer attends the 2018 Hamptons Paddle and Party for Pink on August 4, 2018 in Sag Harbor, New York. Getty Images | Photo by Steven A Henry — Matt Lauer attends the 2018 Hamptons Paddle and Party for Pink on August 4, 2018, in Sag Harbor, New York. Getty Images | Photo by Steven A Henry

Matt Lauer was a celebrated figure at NBC, known for hosting major events like the Olympics and being a steady presence during the 9/11 attacks. He had become an icon of the network and had a firm hold on the industry. However, his career unraveled dramatically when allegations of sexual misconduct emerged. These claims were met with a swift and severe public backlash, leading to his abrupt exit from the limelight. Lauer, once a beloved figure, was suddenly viewed through a different lens, and the allegations cast a long shadow over his past achievements.

2. Oscar Pistorius

Paralympian athlete Oscar Pistorius (L), accused of the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp three years ago, speaks with a correctional service officer during a hearing in his murder trial on July 6, 2016 at the High Court in Pretoria, South Africa. Getty Images | Photo by Marco Longari - Pool — Paralympian athlete Oscar Pistorius (L) at the High Court in Pretoria, South Africa. Getty Images | Photo by Marco Longari - Pool

Oscar Pistorius, often hailed as an inspirational figure and a global paralympian champion, represented the pinnacle of athletic excellence for those with disabilities. His remarkable journey and achievements garnered admiration worldwide. Unfortunately, his career took an abrupt nosedive when he was charged with the fatal shooting of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. This tragic event not only led to legal consequences but also tarnished his reputation as an iconic para-Olympic champion. Pistorius went from being a symbol of triumph over adversity to a figure marred by controversy and legal troubles.

3. Ezra Miller

Ezra Miller attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Warner Bros. — Ezra Miller | Getty Images | Photo by Axelle

Ezra Miller, known for their roles in popular "Fantastic Beasts" fantasy films faced a series of arrests and allegations related to grooming and abuse. In response to the controversy, they acknowledged their struggles and sought treatment for complex health issues. Despite their initial popularity, the accusations significantly affected their career. The public perception of Ezra Miller shifted, and they went from being a rising star to a figure associated with controversy and personal turmoil.

4. Subway Jared

Jared Fogle, the former face of Subway's advertising campaigns, was known for his remarkable weight loss journey through the brand's "Subway diet." However, his life took a dark turn when he was sentenced to a 15-year prison term for child sex crimes. This shocking revelation not only severed all ties with the popular sandwich chain but also sent his career into a precipitous freefall. His fall from grace was swift and devastating, and his association with Subway became a stark example of how a positive image could crumble due to severe legal issues.

5. Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. attends the "Oppenheimer" UK Premiere at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on July 13, 2023, in London, England | Getty Images | Joe Maher

Robert Downey Jr. is a remarkable story of redemption in the world of celebrity. He grappled with addiction and legal troubles, leading to a tarnished reputation and stalled career. However, he made an extraordinary comeback with his role in "Iron Man" in 2008. This pivotal moment marked the resurgence of his career, and Downey's resilience and undeniable talent earned him widespread admiration. He went from being a troubled actor to a beloved figure in the film industry, proving that with determination and rehabilitation, even the most challenging setbacks can be overcome.

6. Kevin Porter Jr.

Kevin Porter Jr. #3 of the Houston Rockets in action against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center on January 08, 2023 in Houston, Texas. Getty Images | Photo by Carmen Mandato — Kevin Porter Jr. #3 Getty Images | Photo by Carmen Mandato

Kevin Porter Jr. was a rising star in the NBA who signed a substantial contract with the Houston Rockets. However, his career took a dramatic turn when he was arrested and charged with assaulting his girlfriend. The allegations had cast a shadow over his professional image, jeopardizing a promising future in the sport. Porter's rapid fall from grace serves as a reminder of how legal issues can swiftly derail the trajectory of even the most talented and celebrated athletes.

7. Allison Mack

Actress Allison Mack leaves U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York after a bail hearing, April 24, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Mack was charged last Friday with sex trafficking for her involvement with a self-help organization for women that forced members into sexual acts with their leader. The group, called Nxivm, was led by founder Keith Raniere, who was arrested in March on sex-trafficking charges. She was released on bail at $5 million. Getty Images | Photo by Drew Angerer — Actress Allison Mack leaves U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of
New York | Getty Images | Photo by Drew Angerer

Allison Mack gained recognition and appreciation for her role in "Smallville," a character that became so influential that it was introduced in the Superman comics. However, her involvement in a sex trafficking cult became a stain on her career. This shocking revelation not only spelled the end of her acting career but also eliminated any potential for reunion shows, and Comic-Con appearances, and left a lasting tarnish on her legacy. Mack's transformation from a beloved actress to a figure associated with a criminal organization and its activities was a tragic turn of events that shocked fans and the entertainment industry alike.

8. Kevin Spacey

Kevin Spacey speaks to press after leaving court at Southwark Crown Court on July 26, 2023 in London, England. The U.S. actor who starred in the popular TV series House of Cards and the film The Usual Suspects has been cleared of all sexual assault charges brought by men during his time as Artistic Director of The Old Vic Theatre. Getty Images | Photo by Chris J Ratcliffe — Kevin Spacey speaks to the press after leaving the court at Southwark Crown Court on July 26, 2023, in London, England | Getty Images | Chris J Ratcliffe

Kevin Spacey, once a beloved and highly respected actor, faced a series of sexual assault allegations that had a profound impact on his career. Despite denying the accusations, his reputation never fully recovered. Although he was acquitted by a jury in one case, the allegations cast a long shadow over his past achievements and led to a significant decline in the number and quality of roles offered to him. Spacey's story serves as a stark example of how even the most celebrated actors can see their careers plummet due to the gravity of legal issues and public allegations.

9. Andrew Cuomo

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo declares a state of emergency Tuesday due to the ongoing violence on July 06, 2021 in New York City.The new declaration by Cuomo will come with millions of dollars for gun and violence prevention programs across the state. The governor also announced that he will be signing a law that bars individuals with active warrants from buying a gun in the state of New York. Over the July 4th holiday weekend, 51 people were shot in New York. Getty Images | Photo by Spencer Platt — Ex-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo | Getty Images | Photo by Spencer Platt

Andrew Cuomo was a prominent political figure with a diverse and distinguished career that included roles as New York Governor, an ADA lawyer, founder of a law firm, serving as a secretary under President Clinton, and holding the position of Attorney General. He was considered a potential candidate for the presidency. However, his career was dramatically derailed when several women came forward with allegations of sexual harassment. These allegations tarnished his image and cast a dark shadow over his political ambitions and legacy, with potential presidential aspirations shattering in the wake of the controversy.

10. Rudy Giuliani

Rudy Giuliani speaks to the media after leaving the Fulton County jail on August 23, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Giuliani is one of 19, including former President Donald Trump, facing felony charges in the indictment related to tampering with the 2020 election in Georgia who have been ordered to turn themselves in by August 25. Getty Images | Photo by Joe Raedle — Rudy Giuliani speaks to the media after leaving the Fulton County jail on August 23, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia | Getty Images | Photo by Joe Raedle

Rudy Giuliani was widely hailed as a hero after the 9/11 attacks, earning the admiration and respect of many. However, his later career took a dramatic downturn as he became embroiled in controversies. These included promoting false claims about the 2020 election, making offensive comments, and facing accusations of misconduct, including allegations of groping. These controversies significantly tarnished his reputation and legacy, transforming him from a respected figure to one associated with political controversy and scandal. Giuliani's story is a poignant example of how public perception can shift drastically, even for individuals who were once celebrated for their achievements and contributions.